Jeff Niemann | Relief Pitcher

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In speaking with Bill Chastain of MLB.com, free agent hurler Jeff Niemann indicated that he'd definitely be interested in returning to the Rays.

Niemann elected free agency earlier in the week after he was outrighted off the Rays 40-man roster. He missed the entire 2013 season following major surgery, an injury that he's still recovering from. He's unlikely to make a major impact until the second half of the 2014 season. Sat, Nov 23, 2013 08:51:00 AM

Niemann was outrighted off the Rays' 40-man roster earlier this month after missing the entire 2013 season following major shoulder surgery. He's had some past success and should draw interest on the open market from teams looking for low-cost rotation options. Mon, Nov 18, 2013 02:52:00 PM

He's now back on the 40-man roster heading into the offseason, though there's a good chance the Rays wind up non-tendering him. Niemann missed all of the 2013 season following surgery to repair the labrum and rotator cuff in his right shoulder. He's supposedly ahead of schedule but is still a question mark to be ready by Opening Day. Mon, Nov 4, 2013 06:32:00 PM

Jeff Niemann (shoulder) hopes to be ready for spring training.

Niemann underwent surgery in early April to repair the labrum and rotator cuff in his right shoulder. He was given a 9-12 month timetable but says he's "ahead of schedule," having already started playing catch from 90 feet. Niemann said that throwing off a mound is still "too far down the road," but he's hoping to be in someone's Opening Day rotation next year. "The way things are going," he said, "the timeline really looks well for next year." Mon, Sep 30, 2013 08:35:00 PM

Depth Charts

Nick Franklin (oblique) was able to handle straight-on grounders on Tuesday.

Franklin's left oblique is progressing well enough that he's able to take the field for some activity, but he's still bound for the DL. There's no concrete timetable for the infielder as of yet. Logan Forsythe is likely to start at second in Franklin's absence, with Alexi Casilla, Tim Beckham and Jake Elmore also options depending on the situation.

Cobb resumed throwing on Saturday and felt fine. He's been slowed for the past couple of weeks by forearm tendinitis, but tests have ruled out structural damage and he should be ready to join the Rays' regular-season rotation by the end of April.

Moore is coming off a scheduled two-week break from his Tommy John surgery rehab. He's now in the home stretch and should become an option for the Rays' rotation around late May or early June. The 25-year-old left-hander had the elbow procedure last April.

Drew Smyly (shoulder) has been cleared to throw live batting practice this Wednesday.

If that workout goes well, he'll face live hitters again on Saturday. And the next step would be a minor league rehab start. Smyly had to be shut down in early March with shoulder discomfort, but the Rays hope he'll be ready to go by the end of April. The 25-year-old left-hander posted a 1.70 ERA, 0.76 WHIP, and 44/11 K/BB ratio in 47 2/3 innings last season for the Rays.

It'll be his fourth bullpen session of the spring. McGee underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow back in December and is expected to be on the disabled list for all of April. Brad Boxberger is looking like the fill-in closer in Tampa Bay.